The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is a medium-sized predator with broad distribution in the boreal forests of Europe and Siberia. The lynx is classified as a threatened species throughout much of its range. In Sweden, there is controversy about legal harvest of lynx. Proponents of harvest argue that allowing hunting of lynx reduces illegal kill (poaching). Moreover, Sweden is committed to regulate lynx numbers to prevent excessive predation on reindeer because reindeer are critical to the livelihoods of indigenous pastoralists, the Sami. In contrast, many environmentalists argue that the species is simply too rare to lift its fully protected status. A similar controversy surrounds management of wolves in the Western United States.